GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

O' REILLY / INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARK

MEMPHIS MOTORSPORTS PARK

TRACKS NO LONGER USED by NATIONWIDE/TRUCKS/CUP

DISNEY

Passenger dies at Richard Petty driving experience UPDATE: A 36-year-old Davenport man died [Sunday] after a Lamborghini in which he was riding lost control at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver failed to maneuver the high-powered sports car through one of the course's curves, and the vehicle's right side struck a guardrail. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, according to FHP's Sgt. Kim Montes. The male driver was taken to Celebration Hospital with minor injuries. Neither the driver nor the passenger were identified. The incident took place at about 3:30pm at the Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway, according to the FHP report. The track is operated by Petty Holdings, which has other Exotic Driving Experience attractions at speedways in Atlanta, Daytona Beach, Charlotte, New Jersey, Kansas, New Hampshire and Texas. The Richard Petty Driving Experience, where fans can drive NASCAR cars or ride shotgun at speeds up to 165 mph, opened in 1997. Four years ago, Petty Holdings introduced the exotic-car experience, where people can drive Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches. The crash remains under investigation, according to the FHP.(Examiner)AND The Florida Highway Patrol said that Tavon Watson, 24, of Kissimmee, failed to maneuver the sports car through one of the road course's curves. The car’s right side struck a guardrail. His passenger, Gary Terry, was pronounced dead at the scene. Terry was the operations manager for the track. Terry competed in NASCAR's Southeast, Southwest and Midwest Series from 1999-2002. In 36 starts he scored two top-5 finishes. He was the head driving instructor for the RPDE at the Walt Disney World Speedway from 2001 to 2013 when he became the operations manager.(Examiner)(4-13-2015)UPDATE Comments from Richard Petty, "The entire Petty family, and everyone associated with Petty, is deeply saddened by the passing of Gary Terry yesterday. Our prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are all thinking about the family and friends of Gary and all the employees of the Exotic Driving Experience."(Richard Petty Motorsports)(4-13-2015)

Disney Speedway to close: Walt Disney World Speedway will close in late June to make way for transportation improvements. The Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Exotic Driving Experience will no longer operate at at WDWS. "Disney has other uses for the property, and they have the right to do that, and we respect that," said Bill Scott, executive vice president of attractions operator Petty Holdings LLC. "It's not without some sadness that we leave Walt Disney World Speedway. We had a great home here." Disney would not provide details on what transportation projects would require the speedway's closure. The speedway lies south of the Magic Kingdom parking lot and west of World Drive. Petty Holdings informed employees Wednesday afternoon about the closure. It has about 70 people working at the speedway, including instructors, photographers and people who check in visitors. The target date for closure is June 28.(Orlando Sentinel)
Petty Holdings Statement: Petty Holdings, operator of Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving Experience, confirmed that starting July 1, they will no longer operate their experiences out of the Walt Disney World Speedway. Walt Disney World has plans to use the land to make transportation improvements. “Our main focus at this moment is taking care of our staff and preparing them for the upcoming transition,” said Petty Holdings Vice President Bill Scott. “Any reserved guests prior to July 1 will have the same fantastic experience that we have delivered since 1997 at Walt Disney World Speedway.” Anyone booked after June 30 for Richard Petty Driving Experience or Exotic Driving Experience can call 1.800.237.3889 to reschedule their experience at any of their 14 locations nationwide – including the location at Daytona International Speedway. Petty Holdings currently has plans in process for exotics and stock car programs in Orlando.(2-12-2015)

Disney will no longer host a Truck Series race(10-25-1998)

I hear that Disney will have the IRL race at the same track. However, they are planning on building a two-mile track with 100,000 seats on Disney property. Location will be at Highway 192 and Highway 27.(5-4-1998)

The first race of the Pep Boys Indy Racing League 1999 season will be on Sunday, Jan. 24, at Walt Disney World Speedway, the IRL announced today. The announcement ends speculation about a move to later in the season for the race on the triangular one-mile oval at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., which had been held on Saturday on the weekend of the Super Bowl. The 1999 race will be held on Sunday, one week before the NFL championship game. See the rest of the story at iRace.(iRace)(4-28-1998)

Another question to Robin Miller about Disney World Speedway: "I understand the Disney track is being torn down. I'll try to do something on this soon.", so keep your eyes out for his article.(SpeedNet)(4-11-1998)

The Indy Racing League's season-opening Indy 200 at Walt Disney World may be moved from Super Bowl weekend to Labor Day Weekend.(ESPNSportszone) As for the truck race it was noted here recently that a letter from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, who handles tickets for Walt Disney World Speedway, says that the 1999 Chevy Truck Challenge race will not be on the 1999 Schedule for the Craftsman Truck series.(4-10-1998)

From a reader: "Just got a letter from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, who handles tickets for Walt Disney World Speedway, saying that the 1999 Chevy Truck Challenge race will not be on the 1999 Schedule for the Craftsman Truck series."(3-27-1998)

HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Hickory Leaves NASCAR: Hickory Motor Speedway, a NASCAR sanctioned track for 49 years, announced that they were dropping the sanction in favor of a new short-track sanctioning body for the 2000 racing season, the American Racing Association (ARA). Also dropping their NASCAR sanction for the ARA are Florida Speed Park in St. Augustine, Fla.; Tri-County Motor Speedway in Hudson, NC; Lonesome Pine Speedway in Coeburn, VA.; Peach State Speedway in Jefferson, GA.; and Montgomery (AL) Motor Speedway. The tracks' parent company and the ARA are both owned by Columbia, SC, businessman John Huffman, who said Wednesday that the move had been contemplated for quite a while. As part of the new organization, the ARA has set up its own late model touring series, called the Late Model All-Star Tour, which will hold 17 events this season. The rules for both the ARA's weekly divisions are similar to those used by NASCAR, with just minor modifications made in the rules on late model stocks(goRacing)(1-27-2000)

Hickory Gone: Hickory Motor Speedway, which has hosted more NASCAR Grand National races than any other track, will not be awarded a series race next season. HMS president John Huffman said Monday he was notified by NASCAR over the weekend by fax he would not be granted any further extensions to secure the necessary purse to host a race and, therefore, a Grand National date would not be given to the track in 1999.(Charlotte Observer)(10-20-1998)

Hickory Motor Speedway missed its Oct. 9 deadline to secure the $522,000 it must contribute to the purse in order to be awarded a Grand National race. The missed deadline all but ensures the speedway will not host a Grand National race next season. NASCAR increased the speedway's contribution to the race purse $180,000 over last season and gave an Oct. 9 deadline for Hickory Motor Speedway President John Huffman to have the money in hand. Huffman is still trying to secure a national sponsor to save the race. Huffman said, however, he has not been given an official extension by NASCAR. The governing body is expected to release its 1999 schedule by the end of the month and must have sanctioning agreements signed with tracks in order to issue the schedule. Huffman said this week he had not heard ``officially'' that NASCAR would not award the track a race, but assumes it will ``any day.'' Mike Helton, NASCAR's vice president for competition, said he will not comment on Hickory's situation.(Charlotte Observer)(10-16-1998)

From Charlotte Observer: At least one race fan isn't willing to let Hickory Motor Speedway's spot on the NASCAR Grand National schedule go away without a fight. Jason Tate of Richmond called the Hickory track earlier this week to see if there was anything he and other fans who feel the track should keep its date could to do help. His idea is relatively simple -- he wants fans to send the track money to help it meet the $522,000 minimum purse NASCAR has set if Hickory wants a Grand National race in 1999. "We can't let Hickory lose its date,'' Tate wrote in a letter to race fans."...NASCAR is getting away from its roots. We saw it with the loss of North Wilkesboro a few years ago and now it is happening again. Short track racing is, in my opinion, the most exciting to watch. "... If everyone who cares about racing and thinks that it is just awful that Hickory will lose its date sends a dollar to Hickory Motor Speedway, we can save this race. How does the Fans Care 300 sound?" Tate sent $10 to get the drive kicked off. "This was totally unsolicited on our part," said Davis Fisher, the Hickory track's public relations director. Fisher said if the track does not keep its Grand National date, any money raised would go toward a charity on behalf of the fans. Fisher said the track is still talking to potential sponsors in hopes of meeting the minimum purse requirement for next year. Hickory's race paid a total of $180,000 this year. If you want to contribute, you can send donations to the track at 3130 Highway 70 SE, Newton, N.C. 28658.(Charlotte Observer)(10-15-1998)

It appears Hickory Motor Speedway will lose its BGN race next season. Hickory Motor Speedway owner John Huffman said Thursday NASCAR officials notified him two weeks ago he would have to increase the speedway's share of the race purse offered for a Grand National race by $180,000 in order for the track to be awarded a race next season. NASCAR has given Huffman until Oct. 9 to secure the purse, but Huffman called the news ``devastating'' to his efforts to keep a Grand National race at the historic track.(Charlotte Observer)(10-2-1998)

Hickory Motor Speedway owner John Huffman said Tuesday he believes the historic track will host a Grand National race at least one more season based on the success of last weekend's Galaxy Foods 300 and new improvements to the facility. A sellout crowd of more than 9,200 looked on Saturday at HMS, which has hosted more Grand National events (41) than any other facility. NASCAR spokesman Tim Sullivan said Tuesday discussion of the 1999 Grand National series schedule won't begin before September, but he did say NASCAAR is ``real pleased with the schedule now.''(Charlotte Observer)(4-15-1998)

I hear Saturday's Busch Series race at Hickory may be the last one there and the new Memphis track may get the race date.(4-13-1998)

"Hickory Motor Speedway, one of the nation’s oldest NASCAR-sanctioned race tracks changed owners just before the New Year, possibly bringing about a change in the 1998 NASCAR Busch Series schedule. Hickory Motor Speedway, which has hosted Busch Series events since the series’ inception in 1982, was sold to Columbia, S.C., real estate developer John Huffman over the holidays, completing the transaction Dec. 20"(iRACE)(12-29-1997)

"Hickory Motor Speedway, one of the nation’s oldest NASCAR-sanctioned race tracks changed owners just before the New Year, possibly bringing about a change in the 1998 NASCAR Busch Series schedule. Hickory Motor Speedway, which has hosted Busch Series events since the series’ inception in 1982, was sold to Columbia, S.C., real estate developer John Huffman over the holidays, completing the transaction Dec. 20"(iRACE)(12-29-1997)

MANSFIELD MOTORSPORTS PARK

Racing will return to Mansfield Speedway: Racing in Mansfield will resurrect this summer. Mansfield Speedway will host six events starting Sunday, June 21, after a lease agreement was struck between track owner Grant Milliron and Sandusky-based K&B Promotions. The half-mile paved oval on the north side last hosted a race in 2010. It's last full season of racing came in 2008. The facility that used to welcome the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA as well as other national touring series fell out of use when previous owner Michael Dzurilla ran into financial and tax problems. Milliron, who has no background in racing but is a successful Richland County businessman with Milliron Industries, bought the track for $800,000 at a sheriff's sale in January, 2013. Last fall it was announced that northern Ohio racing promoter Kevin Ruic would bring events to the track for 2015, but the deal was nixed by Milliron after racist Facebook postings by Ruic were revealed this spring. K&B, which owns regional touring series as well as operates Sandusky Speedway, was scheduled to bring the Midwest Supermodified Association, Buckeye Super Sprints Series and Main Event Racing Series for late models to Mansfield this summer.(Mansfield News Journal)(5-30-2015)

Future of of Mansfield Raceway unsure: Even at 80, even after a lifetime of distinction, even after a successful career, Grant Milliron learned a lesson. He bought his way into a business he did not know, trusted the wrong guy and last week found his reputation was in jeopardy. That's not what one of Richland County's best businessmen set out to do on a cold day in January of 2013 when he bought Mansfield Motorsports Park at a sheriff's sale for $800,000. "The last thing I want to do is hurt this community," Milliron said. But that's what threatened to happen. Milliron is from the old-school where handshakes mean something. To break an agreement with a partner is unthinkable. A deal is a deal — good ones and even the bad ones. However, Milliron had never done business with someone like Kevin Ruic. The 71-year-old motorsports promoter from Avon Lake held events and ran shows for 50 years. He had contacts in the industry, and he proposed to Milliron a win-win proposition for the newest property in the portfolio. So the future of the track goes back to being uncertain. "Maybe I was foolish and naive to even think we could even bring this thing back. Maybe I should have dismantled it the day I bought it to tell you the truth," Milliron said. See much more at Mansfield News Journal.(3-25-2015)

Racing returning to Mansfield: It took Kevin Ruic five years, but the longtime motor sports showman will finally promote events at Mansfield Motorsports Park. Racing will return to the half-mile oval in 2015. The Avon Lake businessman said he reached a deal in principal with MMP owner Grant Milliron to bring up to six special events to track. Attempts to reach Milliron were unsuccessful. The nature of those events is still to be determined, but Ruic said a three-day tractor pull, a monster truck and thrill show, a supermodified and sprint car event, a July 4 fireworks show and a rodeo could be possible for 2015. Bringing in major events such as NASCAR or ARCA are not in the plans.(full story at the Mansfield News Journal), Mansfield Motorsports Park held five Camping World Truck Series one each season from 2004-2008.(9-29-2014)

Mansfield Motorsports Park could open again: The track hasn't hosted a race since 2010, and it hasn't been home to multiple events since 2008. Mansfield Motorsports Park remains dormant, but owner Grant Milliron said there might be something in the works for next year for the half-mile paved oval on the north side of town. Milliron, who bought the track at a sheriff's sale in the winter of 2013, said he's had a discussion with a longtime promoter about bringing "five or six events" to the track. Those could be races, stunt shows or something else entirely, but the goal is that the events would attract 5,000 to 10,000 fans. If a deal cannot be struck, Milliron said he will look to market the track to sell. He bought it and 177 acres of land it sits on for $800,000, after former owner Mike Dzurilla lost it for owing $308,000 in taxes. If he does sell, Milliron said he wants the land to remain a motor sports facility and is hoping to sell it to someone who would keep it a race track.(Mansfield News Journal)(9-11-2014)

Mansfield Motorsport Speedway purchased: Local businessman Grant Milliron purchased the former Mansfield Motorsport Speedway LLC Friday morning at sheriff’s sale for $800,000. The 177.86 acres went up for auction at 10 a.m. during the Richland County Sheriff's sale at the sheriff’s office. The starting bid was $308,827, the amount the county was owed in past-due property taxes. With the sale, former track owner Mike Dzurilla lost six parcels listed as Mansfield Motorsports Speedway LLC, including the banked oval racetrack, grandstand, press boxes, concession stands and part of the parking area. Milliron said he bought the track for the real estate but he hopes to find someone to operate the facility as a racetrack.(Mansfield News Journal)(1-20-2013)

Mansfield track could be sold for back taxes: The Ohio Supreme Court's decision not to hear Mansfield Motorsports Park's appeal of the county tax foreclosure case on the racetrack and grandstand portion of the property appears to leave Richland County free to conduct a sheriff's sale, county officials said. The court announced its decision Wednesday morning. Two of the seven justices, Paul E. Pfeifer and Terrence O'Donnell, dissented. With a majority of state's highest court declining to hear an appeal by the track owner, "we could pursue sale of the property," Assistant Prosecutor Steve Wildermuth said. "Then they can have races again at the speedway." Track owner Mike Dzurilla declined to comment. His attorney, Robert A. Franco, said he and his client will investigate taking legal issues further. The overall complex is divided into three portions. The portion owned by Mansfield Motorsports Speedway LLC., includes the banked oval track, grandstands, press boxes, concession stands and parking. In 2010, Richland County Treasurer Bart Hamilton filed to foreclose on the racetrack for back taxes. Mansfield Motorsports Speedway owes Richland County $308,827 in taxes, interest and penalties on the track and grandstand portion, Richland County delinquent tax collector Matt Finfgeld said. "The meter has been running" on additional interest and penalties during the course of the appeal, Hamilton said. Mansfield Motorsports Park has been inactive for the past couple of years. No major events were held there during the 2011 or 2012 seasons.(Mansfield News Journal)(10-27-2012)

Mansfield Motorsports Park sale delayed until after appeals court ruling: The court order to sell Mansfield Motorsports Park at a sheriff's sale has been stayed until an appeals panel rules on a legal question. At issue is whether owners of the racetrack on the city's north end facility can retroactively challenge MMP's property tax assessment through the court system, bypassing usual processes set up under state law. The Fifth District Court of Appeals will hear that dispute in Mansfield on Jan. 12. Richland County Treasurer Bart W. Hamilton filed in September 2010 to foreclose against MMP for past-due property taxes. Since that time, total delinquency has climbed to $262,000, according to the treasurer's office. Mansfield Motorsports Park then separately filed a court action against the Richland County auditor and state tax commissioner, asking Richland County Common Pleas Judge James DeWeese to intervene to provide tax relief.(full story at Mansfield News Journal)(12-14-2011)

Mansfield cancels Truck race UPDATE closes: from the Mansfield Motorsports Park site: Due to the economic times that we are all facing, Mansfield Motorsports Park will not be hosting the 2009 NASCAR Truck Race. We will begin processing refunds immediately. Please accept our apologies and please be patient while we are going through the refund process. We apologize for any inconvenience.(12-17-2008)UPDATE: Mansfield Motorsports Park is closing its doors. The northside half-mile oval was thrown into limbo Wednesday when the NASCAR Camping World (formerly Craftsman) Truck Series race scheduled for May 23 was canceled. “As of right now, we will not be staying open. We have no events planned,” track owner Mike Dzurilla said. “I dealt with the unfortunate task of telling my remaining employees that, by Christmas, they would be unemployed. Unfortunately, this has been in the works for quite some time. I tried to pull a rabbit out of the hat, but my last option ran out (Tuesday) night.” When asked if he would sell the track, Dzurilla was noncommittal. Dzurilla, who brought the truck series to Mansfield in 2004, said the flagging economy forced his hand. “This is a purely economic decision. We were unable to locate a title sponsor (for the truck race),” he said. “With the economy the way it is, anybody with money right now is hanging onto it. It’s business.”(Mansfield Journal)(12-18-2008)

Tickets Still Available for Ohio 250 at Mansfield: Good seats are still available for the fifth-annual Ohio 250 Craftsman Truck Series race at Mansfield Motorsports Park.
"Ticket sales have picked up pace the past couple of weeks," said MMP public relations manager Charles Krall. "I think a lot of people are worried about gas prices and the weather. Well there's not much we can do about the cost of fuel, but I think the weather forecast has motivated some people to buy their tickets. For once it looks like we might see some sun on race weekend. We know the cost of getting here has gone up with the cost of fuel, but we've kept our ticket prices in check now since the event's inception in 2004," Krall said. "You can get a great seat in the corners or down the backstretch for $40, and that's before any of the discounts that are out there. We have some great partnerships with Pepsi and Miller Lite and there are lots of coupons out there. You're definitely going to get your money's worth here." There will still be tickets available for those waiting to see the sun
shining down brightly over the Mid-Ohio countryside before they decide to make the trip to the track. The Ohio 250 race weekend activities kick off with Thursday's Race Fest in
downtown Mansfield, with the transporter parade starting at 5 P.M. followed by the driver autograph session at 6 P.M. There will be a Q&A session with the drivers at 7 P.M., then the transporters move out back to the speedway at 8 P.M. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (419) 525-RACE (7223) or online at www.mansfieldmotorsportsonline.com.(5-22-2008)

Mansfield now NOT for sale: Mansfield Motorsports Speedway {MMS] will not be put on the market, owner Michael Dzurilla announced Thursday at the half-mile oval. Dzurilla told the News Journal on May 24 he was going to sell the track and shut down his NHRA Pro Stock drag racing team, Bullet Motorsports. Instead, it will be business as usual. "Basically, the track is not for sale," Dzurilla said. "I'm a very passionate person, and I have a tendency to give everything I do 100%. Unfortunately, passionate people when they get upset or are suffering from lack of sleep have a tendency to speak before they think. I'm guilty of that. I was tired and very upset about certain situations. I got caught when I probably should have just said nothing," he said of his change of heart. "I said what I was thinking at the time. I took a week off for the first time in a long time, and I started thinking with my head again instead of my heart."
Dzurilla sold Bullet Motorsports to Torco Racing Fuels and Carrier Boyz Racing this week. The team will remain intact, with driver Dave Connolly competing this weekend in Chicago. It hasn't been decided where the team will be based. Dzurilla said he wanted to sell Bullet as quickly as possible so Connolly could continue his quest for the national championship. He ranks third in the points. With no more race team, he will focus on MMS full-time. Chris Mize will continue to run the racing shows and hold the titles of president and general manager. Lori Cates will keep running the business office. Dzurilla said he will deal with the legal and accounting ends and other behind-the-scenes issues.(Mansfield News Journal)(6-10-2005)

Mansfield for sale: Mansfield Motorsports Speedway is for sale. Michael Dzurilla, who once saved the track from sheriff's auction, has owned the half-mile oval on Crall Road for three years. But the Cleveland-area businessman who relocated to Ashland cannot continue in his role. "I lost too much money," he said. Dzurilla, 47, invested more than $17 million in upgrades, while maintaining Bullet Motorsports, a high-profile yet unsponsored NHRA Pro Stock drag racing team. MMS took a financial hit on both UAW-GM Ohio 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races the last two springs. While both races were sold out, they didn't take in enough to offset the cost for NASCAR's sanctioning, the costs to bring in temporary bleachers, and the costs to bring in personnel to run the race. Dzurilla wouldn't divulge figures, saying only each of those expenses were in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. This year, temporary bleachers in Turn 1 were wiped out by the weather, which canceled Friday's concerts and fireworks show. MMS crew and volunteers worked through the night to clear the debris and get the track race ready, but cold weather and on-and-off rain delayed qualifying and made Saturday's attendance less than a typical weekly show. The May 15 race drew 25,000 fans, but cool temperatures hurt concessions. Dzurilla said they made just $30,000 on Sunday sales, far from what was expected. Last year's qualifying was completely wiped out by rain and the race, while attended by 20,000 fans, was also on a cool day. Dzurilla said he doesn't want to file for bankruptcy, so he's putting the track up for sale and shutting down Bullet Motorsports, despite the team sitting third in the championship with 22-year-old Dave Connolly in their Chevrolet. It costs about $1.5 million to run a full season in NHRA's Pro Stock division.(Mansfield News Journal)(5-25-2005)

Mansfield Motorsports Speedway to expand: Mansfield Motorsports Speedway will expand grandstand seating due to demand for the Inaugural Ohio 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race scheduled for May 16, 2004. Mansfield Motorsports Speedway has a 7,200-seat main grandstand that sits on the front stretch, as well as hillside seating available in turns three and four. Plans are now in place to expand grandstand seating around turns one and two and down to the midpoint of the backstretch. Tickets are now available for Inaugural Ohio 250 by calling the track office at (419) 525-RACE (7223). For information on Mansfield Motorsports Speedway, please visit www.mansfield-speedway.com.(10-27-2003)

New Venue for the Truck Series: Mansfield Motorsports Speedway and NASCAR have reached an agreement that will bring a national touring NASCAR series back to the State of Ohio for the first time in fifty years. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will visit the facility for the Inaugural Ohio 250, which is scheduled for Sunday May 16. The event will be the first nationally sanctioned NASCAR event in Ohio since May 24, 1953 when Herb Thomas won a 100-mile Grand National (now Winston Cup) Series event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus. In all, there were eleven Grand National Series events in Ohio at tracks in Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, and Canfield. There has not been a NASCAR Busch Series or Craftsman Truck Series event in the state, until now. The Inaugural Ohio 250 will be the fourth race of the 25-race NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule in 2004. Tickets are now available for Inaugural Ohio 250 by calling the track office at (419) 525-RACE (7223) or visit their website at www.mansfield-speedway.com.(Liberty Sports Management PR)
Actually Sharon Speedway [located in Hartford OH, but named after the nearest large city - Sharon PA] held the last nationally NASCAR race on 5/24/1954 won by Lee Petty [Stock Car Racing Encyclopedia], this track is now owned by Cup driver Dave Blaney.(10-21-2003)

MYRTLE BEACH SPEEDWAY

South Boston/Myrtle Beach races gone? UPDATE MB is gone, South Boston gone: hearing that the BGN races at South Boston, VA and Myrtle Beach, SC will not be on the BGN schedule in 2001. Kansas and Chicagoland will be added (as previously announced) and Kentucky Speedway may be added to the BGN schedule(8-21-2000)UPDATE: Myrtle Beach Speedway, host of a BGN race for the last 13 years, won't be on the NASCAR junior circuit's list of places to go in 2001. The good ol' boys will be somewhere else instead. And that somewhere else, although the official schedule has not yet been announced, will likely look a lot different than the local track that has been in the racing business since 1958. Myrtle Beach would seem to be an ideal location when it comes to packing the house. The problem is MBS's 18,000-seat house is no longer big enough for NASCAR. The owner's dug deep into their pockets to keep the track up to NASCAR's standards. They spent more than $100,000 to upgrade facilities for competitors and fans before the June 17 event, but it wasn't enough. Now NASCAR's presence may be gone forever, unless the area joins the rat race and builds a new multi-million dollar facility. There have been about Burroughs & Chapin (Company) building a racetrack in the area(Myrtle Beach Sun News).
As for South Boston, many readers from that area have emailed saying it was announced in June that South Boston had signed a sponsor and with NASCAR thru 2002 to hold a race at the track - the story from February on myBGN Tracks page, past news: Textilease and South Boston Speedway officials have announced that the BGN race would be officially known as the Textilease/Medique 300 for the next three years. Textilease and Textilease Medique signed a three-year contract extending their title sponsorship through 2002.(The State)(8-22-2000)UPDATE 2: it was reported on RPM 2Night that South Boston also will not run a BGN event in 2001. AND from the South Boston Speedway site: South Boston Speedway, one of NASCAR’s premiere short tracks, plans on hosting a minimum of six national touring series events in 2001, a significant increase over the 2000 schedule. While touring series for Late Model Stock Cars will be a priority, events for open wheel and dirt series are also being explored. Of these new events, at least three are expected to be nationally televised. The 2001 schedule will not include a NASCAR Busch Series event(8-23-2000)

Myrtle Beach stays, South Boston? Two other tracks in jeopardy of losing their BGN dates are Myrtle Beach(SC) and South Boston(VA). Myrtle Beach has come up with the extra purse money NASCAR has set as a minimum, South Boston has not made a commitement either way yet.(WC Today Radio/PRN)(10-22-1998)

NAZARETH SPEEDWAY

Nazareth Speedway site back for sale: The former Nazareth Speedway site is again for sale after a group led by Ashley Development Corp. of Bethlehem defaulted on its purchase option, according to the property's owners. International Speedway Corp. of Daytona Beach, Fla., terminated Ashley's agreement to buy the 158-acre tract near Routes 191 and 248 in Lower Nazareth, PA on Oct. 9. Lennie Santiago, a spokesman for the company, said developers defaulted on terms of the $18.8 million sale agreed to in March 2006. He declined to specify conditions that were not met. Ashley President Lou Pektor was not immediately available for comment. Santiago said the property's price, originally set at $19 million, is now flexible, depending on real estate market conditions. 'We think it's an attractive property and hope to complete a sale in fiscal 2008, which is probably the end of next year,'' he said. Township Supervisor Chairman Alan Dilsaver said he is confident another buyer will surface, but isn't sure what a developer may propose. Ashley Development and Wind-Drift Real Estate of Bethlehem, along with MediaBay founder and real estate developer Norton Herrick of New Jersey, joined in a sale agreement to buy the site. Developers presented a plan to Lower Nazareth supervisors in May 2006 proposing mixed usage of the former speedway property. The majority of the proposed development was a combination of single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums and an age-qualified development. Another 119,000 square feet was designated for retail and office space. Nazareth Speedway hosted Indy Racing League and CART racing [and NASCAR Busch and Truck series races] until August 2004, when it closed in part because of dwindling support. The final race contested at the 1-mile oval track was the Firestone Indy 225 on Aug. 29, 2004. The track was put up for sale five months later.(Morning Call)(11-6-2007)

Nazareth Speedway Close to being sold: Ashley Development Corp. of Bethlehem has been identified as partner in NZSW LLC, the buyer of the 187-acre Nazareth Speedway tract. Lewis Ronca of Wind-Drift Real Estate and Norton Herrick of Morrisville, N.J.-based Herrick Development Co. are also involved in the project, according to Lou Pektor, president of Ashley Development. Township Manager Timm Tenges said he was pleased to learn Pektor is working on the speedway venture because the township has a "good working relationship" with Ashley Development. The commercially zoned parcel at Routes 248 and 191 will become "some type of mixed-use development," according to Pektor. "It definitely won't be a racetrack," he said. "There are no other predetermined decisions, though." Pektor said plans for the site would likely be ready for township review this summer. International Speedway Corporation, based in Daytona Beach, Fla., owns the speedway property. In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing last month, ISC had said it expects to close the pending $18.8 million sale in November. The last proposal for the speedway site was rejected last year by Lower Nazareth Township officials. Local developer Abraham Atiyeh had hoped to replace the speedway with a hockey arena and housing development. The racetrack has been unused since its last race in 2004.(Express Times)(3-4-2006)

Nazareth Speedway being sold: International Speedway Corp. on Wednesday said it is selling its Nazareth Speedway to Brookside Realty Inc. for about $19 million. The company said it expects to post a gain of $6 million to $7 million, or 11 cents to 13 cents per share, on the 158-acre sale, which is subject to closing conditions. The company said it expects to complete the deal by Nov. 30. Analysts expect International Speedway to post earnings of $2.90 per share for the year, according to a poll by Thomson Financial. International Speedway subsidiary Pennsylvania International Raceway Inc. suspended events at the Nazareth, Penn., track in 2004. Starting with this year's racing season, the company moved Nazareth's NASCAR Busch and IRL IndyCar series events to International Speedway's Watkins Glen International track. International Speedway said it is reporting Nazareth results as discontinued operations in financial statements.(Yahoo Biz)(6-2-2005)

Nazareth to be bought?...turned into an arena? a $30 million dome that would house minor league hockey and host top performers, with high-end restaurants, luxury condominiums and townhouses nearby. The site: home of the former Nazareth Speedway.
Local developer Abraham Atiyeh said Friday he has signed a letter of intent to buy the 157 acres in Lower Nazareth Township for $19 million to make his vision a reality. The plan hinges on whether he can get public and private financing, and Lower Nazareth zoning approval. Weichert Commercial Brokerage of Bethlehem, hired to sell the property, did not return calls Friday seeking comment. Nor did International Speedway Corp. of Daytona, Fla., which owns the speedway. The project centers on an 8,000-seat Monolithic Dome, so named by Monolithic Constructors Inc., the Texas company that builds it. Atiyeh hopes its primary tenant would be an American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Rangers or New Jersey Devils. He expressed confidence the sport would find a fan base in the Lehigh Valley.(Morning Call)(4-27-2005)

Nazareth Speedway for sale: When it closed for racing five months ago, owners of Nazareth Speedway said the track might remain a venue for motorsports activities. But its owners announced Thursday that the property is for sale. ''When we evaluated the interest from teams and from racing schools to use the speedway as a rental facility the numbers didn't work out,'' speedway President Craig Rust said Friday. ''While we were doing that we'd been receiving a great deal of interest … in the property. 'We hope and expect we'll work hand-in-hand with Lower Nazareth Township as will our broker. We want to see something there that … will be a win-win for us and the community.'' The speedway, built as a 11/8-mile dirt track in 1966 by Jerry Fried, is on 157 acres at Routes 191 and 248 in Lower Nazareth Township. In 1986, the home track of the great father-son racing duo of Mario and Michael Andretti was paved. It is owned by International Speedway Corp. of Daytona, Fla., which owns or operates 11 motorsports facilities and is working on expanding to the Pacific Northwest and New York City. The property's cost, not disclosed by officials, will depend on what will replace the racetrack, said Amy Hawley of Hawley Realty Inc. in Allentown. Township Manager Timm Tenges said the sale was expected. The plot is zoned mostly general commercial with smaller swatches zoned for general industrial and agricultural use, he said. The land is flat and has access to public sewerage and water, making the plot attractive, Hawley said. It's also convenient to Routes 22 and 33, she said. Andy Daub, co-owner of the Brown-Daub Dealerships, one of Northampton's largest car dealership chains, said in September he may want to buy the speedway. Rust said he had been in communication with Daub and told him of the company's intention to sell. One of Daub's dealerships is nearly adjacent to the speedway.(Morning Call)(1-29-2005)

Nazareth Speedway to discontinue racing: Statement from Craig Rust, Nazareth Speedway President: "Earlier today our parent company, International Speedway Corporation, announced that it intends to realign Nazareth Speedway's NASCAR Busch and IRL IndyCar series events and will discontinue all spectator motorsports events at the end of the 2004 season. As President of Nazareth Speedway since 2000, I have strong personal ties with the surrounding communities. And, while we've been able to do some great things at the speedway, we haven't been able to achieve the level of support that is necessary to grow our business. I would like to recognize some local companies that have been wonderful partners of Nazareth Speedway over the years, including Air Products, Key Pontiac, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Martin Guitar, Pepsi and Service Electric. We certainly appreciate their endless support and for standing behind us over the years. Each of these companies is truly a leader in the Lehigh Valley business community. In addition, I would like to extend a special thank you to our other partners - Firestone, Goulds Pumps ITT Industries and General Motors - for being a part of the Nazareth Speedway family. Finally, I would like to thank the group of loyal fans that have stuck by Nazareth Speedway through the years as events have come and gone, through the snow and the sunshine. I hope that we will see you out at the Speedway for our two events in 2004, which will continue as planned - the NASCAR Busch Series Goulds Pumps ITT Industries 200 on May 22-23 and the Firestone Indy 225 IRL IndyCar Series weekend, August 27-29."(Nazareth Speedway PR)(5-14-2004)

Nazareth Gone? races to Watkins Glen? Watkins Glen International, once thought as close to its death bed as a NASCAR track, may instead be set to expand with additional NASCAR and Indy Racing League events. Sources said Friday that Narazeth Speedway - a 1-mile oval - could lose its two main races next season - Busch and IRL - if the track is sold or closed by its owner, International Speedway Corp. Those races would then move to the Glen, which is also owned by ISC, sources said. Watkins Glen, an 11-turn, 2.45-mile road course in upstate New York, hosted Cup races in 1957, 1964 and 1965, then took a hiatus and returned in 1986. It has hosted one race every year since. The Glen also hosted Busch and Craftsman Truck series races as recently as 2001, but lost those when those series instituted cost-cutting measures. Adding just one road course would likely be financially impractical for Busch or Trucks, but NASCAR has made clear its desire to race in Mexico, where the Mexico City track would also be a road course. Two road course events would make much more sense financially. Craig Rust, track president of both Nazareth and Watkins Glen, denied Friday that Nazareth is for sale. He did admit the track's Busch race was having problems selling tickets and he was promoting the Glen to host an IRL race as early as next season. The IRL is expected to add one or more road course events to its oval-only series next season. IRL officials have said the conversion package to adapt their current cars to road course conditions is about 75 percent completed. "It's common knowledge that I have been trying to get the IRL up to Watkins Glen," Rust said. "I have also had conversations with NASCAR with specific regard, be it '05 or '06, to grow our NASCAR inventory. NASCAR vice president for corporate communications, Jim Hunter, could not be reached Friday for comment. As a possible sign of things to come, ISC has already moved its administrative staff at Nazareth to Watkins Glen and Rust said Friday Nazareth was considering moving up to 10,000 portable grandstand seats to the Glen, leaving Nazareth with 28,000 seats. Rust said he has not spoken to NASCAR officials about 2005 race dates at Nazareth. His current efforts are aimed at promoting the May 23 Busch race at the track.(Charlotte Observer)(5-1-2004)

Nazareth Tix on sale: In the spirit of spreading holiday cheer to race fans, Nazareth Speedway is pleased to announce that tickets for the 2004 season are now on-sale, just in time for the holidays, at an advanced price. Save as much as $21 per ticket compared to regular 2003 prices and, as part of our new family-focus, kids 12 and under are FREE in 2004 with the purchase of an adult general admission ticket. Regular season tickets have also been reduced by as much as $10 in 2004. This reduction includes both Saturday & Sunday adult general admission and reserved grandstand seating. Advanced tickets can be purchased by visiting www.nazarethspeedway.com or by calling their ticket office at 888.629.RACE. The season is highlighted by the return of Goulds Pumps ITT Industries 200, NASCAR Busch Series on May 23rd. Tickets for 2004 are now on sale, take advantage of the advanced price until Opening Day, April 3, 2004.(12-16-2003)

Nazareth has a title sponsor for Busch race: Nazareth Speedway has completed an agreement which will make Goulds Pumps ITT Industries the title sponsor of the NASCAR Busch Series race at “The World’s Fastest Mile,” beginning with the Goulds Pumps ITT Industries 200 on May 17-18, 2003. "Nazareth Speedway is very fortunate to be working with a partner that has existing ties to motorsports and is excited about the upcoming NASCAR Busch Series weekend,” said track president Craig Rust. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Goulds Pumps and its parent company, ITT Industries.” ITT Industries is the world's largest and premier pump manufacturer and a leader in valves, heat exchangers, mixers and instruments for fluid handling applications. This business has annual sales of over $2 billion and operates in over 135 countries worldwide. Goulds Pumps have been involved with the NASCAR Busch Series for seven years and currently an associate sponsor the #48 car driven by Shane Hmiel. The race season begins at Nazareth Speedway on May 17-18, 2003 with the NASCAR Busch Series Goulds Pumps ITT Industries 200.(4-16-2003)

Job Cuts at Nazareth: Calling the change a new business model for Nazareth Speedway, track President Craig Rust on Wednesday announced a reduction in staff at the facility owned by International Speedway Corp. Rust was hired as track president in 2000 and has since taken on a dual role as president of ISC's Watkins Glen International in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Rust said transfers and pink slips will tighten ISC's operations at Nazareth and Watkins Glen. Four Nazareth Speedway employees have lost their jobs, reducing the full-time staff to seven. Bill Darcy, the track's general manager, is among those affected. Rust said Darcy will be reassigned somewhere by ISC, the world's largest race track owner. "It's a consolidation of the two business units -- Nazareth and Watkins Glen," Rust said. "As we looked at the business and the business going forward, this will be more efficient." Mike Preston, the track's senior public relations manager, will remain. Rust was hired in 2000 and lived in the Lehigh Valley until he moved to Watkins Glen. He said management of Nazareth Speedway would be in his hands.(Express-Times)(10-30-2002)

Stacker 2 to sponsor Nazareth BGN race: Nazareth Speedway officials announced that Stacker 2 has entered into a partnership with the track as the title sponsor the 2002 BGN race on May 19. The event will be titled the Stacker 2 "200" and will be the feature race of the weekend, supported by the Burnham Boilers 100 BGNN race and the Service Electric 100 Featherlite Modified Series race.(4-9-2002)

Nazareth Staying: Although Nazareth Speedway hosted its final CART race May 6, track spokesman Keith Green insists NASCAR's future at the 1-mile facility is solid. Nazareth will keep its BGN and CTS events for the forseeable future, Green said. CART may even return at some point, but the IRL is also under consideration(Winston Cup Scene)(5-24-2001)

Open House: Nazareth Speedway is holding a special open house on Saturday, December 9 to give fans the opportunity to purchase 2001 race tickets and meet racing legend Mario Andretti. The day will begin at 9:00am/et when tickets for the 2001 season go on sale. Fans can purchase racing apparel and souvenirs from Nazareth Speedway, the Andretti Line and Shook's NASCAR Racing Collectibles. Andretti will meet and greet fans from 10:30am to 1:00pm/et. Ryan McGlynn of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Zane Zeiner of the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series will also be on hand to sign autographs. Andretti, McGlynn, and Zeiner will also have their authentic racecars on display. Nazareth Speedway will also raffle off racing merchandise every hour on the hour during the event. No purchase will be necessary to enter the raffle. Coffee, hot chocolate and donuts will be served for all fans courtesy of Nazareth Speedway. The day will begin at 9:00am and end at 2:00pm/et.(Nazareth SpedwayPR)(12-8-2000)

Nazareth Speedway info: Faciclity improvments continue at the track which include the following:
Permanent restrooms, new media center and expension of the infield care center. The addition of the Richard Petty Stock Car Driving School in June(2-2-1999)

Nazareth Raceway will undergo construction. Changes include suites, better press box, bigger medical center, bigger media center, new metal stands to replace the old ones in turn 2, and possibly back stretch pits. The next race at Nazareth is the Craftsman Truck Series/Slim Jim All-Pro Series on July 11/12, 1998.(6-16-1998)

Forget the Penske wanting a WC date for his Nazareth, PA track. I was alerted to a story in the WC Scene on June 19th, page 52 by Eric where Penske states after being asked about this: "No. I think that pretty much they have dates at Dover, they have dates at Pocono. We'll run the Busch and trucks and field the CART race there". That bascially puts that rumor to rest(7-1-1997)

Heard a rumor that Roger Penske may be looking for a Winston Cup date at Nazareth. Problem is that the track is close to Pocono(within 100 miles) and they do not have the facilities to presently hold a Winston Cup race. No garages, not enough parking, and not enough roads to get the people in and out effectively(6-30-1997)

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Pikes Peak to reopen: PPIR has a new owner with plans to resume racing at the 1.5 mile track [actually 1 mile oval, and 1.3 mile road course]. Arden Weatherford, the new owner is saying little. But the group planning to hold a race at the facility Labor Day weekend says the grounds and ashpalt are in good shape. Members of the National Auto Sport Association [NASA] plan to hold road races and offer high performance driving during the three day weekend. Their regional director walked the grounds on Monday. Dave Balingit says the new owner has a great deal of experience as a racing promoter and track manager and believes the new venture will be successful. PPIR closed in November of 2005.(koaa.com)(7-25-2008)

ISC to buy Pikes Peak Intl Raceway the close and sell, Busch race to Martinsville: Pikes Peak International Raceway announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its assets to Rocky Mountain Speedway Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation ("ISC"). Closing of the transaction is expected within the next week, and financial terms were not disclosed. ISC will honor all of PPIR's currently scheduled community uses and rentals through October 31, 2005. After that date, ISC expects to close the facility and begin to market the approximate 1,200-acre parcel for sale. ISC plans to petition NASCAR to realign PPIR’s NASCAR Busch Series event to Martinsville Speedway for 2006. In addition, ISC intends to relocate certain PPIR fixed assets to other racing venues in its portfolio. These assets include grandstand seating, furniture and other equipment and structures that can be utilized for future ISC expansion projects. PPIR’s 16 permanent employees will be given severance packages and a handful will assist in closing the facility. In its nine years of existence, PPIR hosted NASCAR, IRL, AMA, SCCA, USAC and IMSA-sanctioned events.(PPIR)(9-30-2005)

Pike Peak gets a sponsor for Busch race: Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) announced that ITT Industries, Systems Division and Goulds Pumps have signed on as the title sponsors of the NASCAR Busch Series Race. The official title of the event will be the “ITT Industries, Systems Division and Goulds Pumps Salute to the Troops 250 presented by Dodge”. Bill Elliott is going to compete July 22–23 at PPIR in the NASCAR Busch Series Race. Elliott will be competing for Rusty Wallace’s NASCAR Busch team during the running of the “ITT Industries, Systems Division and Goulds Pumps Salute to the Troops 250 presented by Dodge”. PPIR is the premier motorsports facility in the Rocky Mountain Region. With seating for 42,700 fans and 31 luxury suites, PPIR makes for the
perfect racing venue, whether on the one-mile-paved oval or the 1.315-mile road course. The track is conveniently located just off
I-25 at mile marker 123. Single event tickets can be purchased on line at www.ppir.com, any front range King Soopers, Western Slope City Markets or by calling 1-888-306-7223. Individuals with a valid military ID are entitled to 50% off any single adult race day ticket.(PPIR)(4-14-2005)

Pikes Peak track for sale: Pikes Peak International Raceway is for sale, Rockwood Realty Associates of Orlando, Fla., has been retained on an exclusive basis to arrange the sale of the track in Fountain. Wall Street Investment bankers Lehman Brothers Holdings of New York owns PPIR. Construction on PPIR was completed in 1997 at a cost of $35 million. There is a 1-mile oval and 1.3-mile road course along with 42,787 permanent seats and 31 luxury VIP suites. PPIR has a contract with Rocky Mountain Speedway Corp., a subsidiary of International Speedway Corp. that expires in December. The agreement was designed to improve PPIR's profile and calls for RMSC to provide management, advisory and consulting services. The schedule this year at PPIR includes a NASCAR Busch Series race July 23 and an IRL race in August.(Rocky Mountain News)(1-31-2005)

Pike Peak gets a sponsor for Busch race/Concert: Pikes Peak International Raceway announced that Goulds Pumps ITT Industries has signed on as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Busch Series Race at PPIR on August 31st. The official title of the event will be the Goulds Pumps/ITT Industries Salute to the Troops 250 presented by Dodge. Goulds Pumps is a brand of ITT Water Technology, Inc. – a subsidiary of ITT Industries, Inc., the world's largest and premier pump manufacturer, and offers the most complete range of pumps available for the residential, municipal, commercial, agricultural, and wastewater markets. ITT Industries, Inc. supplies advanced technology products and services in key markets including: electronic interconnects and switches; defense communication, opto-electronics, information technology and services; fluid and water management and other industrial products. Martina McBride will perform live in concert following the Goulds Pumps/ITT Industries Salute To The Troops 250 presented by Dodge and the Freedom 150 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series Race. PPIR is the premier motorsports facility in the Rocky Mountain Region. With seating for 42,700 fans and 31-luxury suites PPIR makes for the perfect racing venue be it on the one-mile-paved oval or 1.315 mile road course.(PPIR)(7-15-2004)

Pikes Peak Making a Push for a Cup race: Rob Johnson, president of Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, CO is warming up and about ready to make a pitch. "We've got market research done on a consumer report on (fans') desire to purchase tickets to a Nextel Cup event at PPIR," Johnson said of some of the data, prepared by a track task force, he plans to present to NASCAR officials. "We have just finished our economic impact statement for 2004 and what it would look like with a Nextel Cup race. We'll have all this done in the next two or three weeks, and then, at that point, we can start to schedule whether we go down there (to Daytona Beach, Fla.) or ask them to come here or (whether track officials) send NASCAR a packet." The timing could be right for PPIR. The Nextel Cup is looking to move into new markets, and Johnson believes PPIR is ready to play host to a Nextel Cup race. "The research indicates there would be overwhelming support for a race from a fan standpoint," said Johnson, whose track currently features Indy Racing League and NASCAR Busch series races. "All the information is coming together as far as, would people want to buy a ticket, would they buy a season ticket, would they support the race and can we handle the traffic if we grow to 65,000 people? Everything is coming out very well. We've got good political support, we've got good local support, so everything is moving forward. The big deal that came out of the economic impact is that, with a Nextel Cup event, it would be the single-largest event in Colorado annually. Now we need to go present the information in a professional manner. That's what our next step will be."(Rocky Mountain News)(3-23-2004)

Pikes Peak wants a Cup race: Community leaders will meet this week to discuss how to attract a major NASCAR race and its big-time money to a racetrack in Fountain, CO [Pikes Peak International Raceway]. "NASCAR said they are going to take a look at realignment and schedule adjustment in the future, and this is our chance to put our best foot forward," said Rob Johnson, president of the Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain. Johnson will meet with leaders from El Paso County, Colorado Springs, Fountain and Pueblo, on Thursday. Earlier this year, Colorado Springs economist David Bamberger estimated a top NASCAR race would generate $102 million in local sales, create 1,510 local jobs and generate $1.1 million in city sales tax receipts. PPIR, the track in Fountain, already has several major races, including a NASCAR Busch series race.(Sports Illustrated)(8-19-2003)

Not looking good for a Cup race at Pikes Peak: There likely won't be a Cup race at Pikes Peak International Raceway near Colorado Springs in the near future. The facility barely was half-full for the Busch Series race last Saturday. Insiders have intimated that if a Cup race is held in Colorado, it would be at a track built closer to Denver's airport by International Speedway Corporation.(Sporting News)(7-28-2003)

TrimSpa to sponsor Pike Peaks Busch race: TrimSpa will be the title sponsor for the Busch Series July 26, 2003 race at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colorado. The race will be named the TrimSpa Dream Body 250 presented by Dodge.
Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) is the premier motorsports facility in the Rocky Mountain Region. With seating for 42,700 fans and 31-luxury suites PPIR makes for the perfect racing venue. TrimSpa already has a car in the NASCAR Busch Series. The #27 TrimSpa Pontiac is driven by former ASA Champion and Busch Series Raybesto Rookie of the Year Candidate Joey Clanton. TrimSpa has a number of events planned for the two weeks leading up to the Race, but none will be as big as the concert featuring Broken Bow Records Country artist Craig Morgan. Morgan currently has the Number 12 Song on the Country Billboard Chart. Almost Home has been on the charts for a whopping 29 weeks. Sherrie Austin will also be on hand as well as a couple of surprise guests. The concert, being billed as "Stars Stripes and Country a Salute to the Troops" will be a way to say thank you to the many troops that serve in the Colorado area. Four major military installations: Peterson Air Force Base, Fort Carson, United States Air Force Academy and Schriever Air Force Base are all within a short drive to the raceway. As part of that thank you, TrimSpa and Pikes Peak International Raceway will offer special ½ price race tickets for anyone with a valid military ID. Tickets must be purchased in person. This will also allow them to attend the concert free of charge. Those interested in tickets can visit www.ppir.com or www.trimspa.com/nascar.(Pike Peak International Raceway PR)(6-7-2003)

Pikes Peak enters alliance with ISC: Pikes Peak International Raceway could be owned by the International Speedway Corporation sometime in the next five years based on a partnership finalized Tuesday by the 42,000-seat Fountain track and the motorsports giant. ISC, a publicly traded company headquartered in Daytona Beach, FL, and the world's largest owner and operator of superspeedways, has a three-year contract to provide through a subsidiary management advisory and consulting service for PPIR, which recently concluded its sixth season of racing. The agreement gives ISC the right of first refusal should PPIR owners decide to sell their 1,200-acre complex, which includes a 1.3-mile road course. ISC's right of first refusal extends two years beyond the contract, which runs through 2005. The consulting contract gives Speedway Corp. a chance to look more closely at the racing business in Colorado, where it has been investigating placing a track. "We don't view Pikes Peak International Raceway as a Winston Cup facility, but we believe the current schedule of events provides a great opportunity to promote other major motorsports entertainment in the area," Lee Combs, Speedway Corp. senior vice president of corporate development, stated. The 1,200-acre Pikes Peak raceway complex includes a 42,000-seat, one-mile oval and 1.3-mile road course.(Denver Post and Daytona Beach News Journal)(8-7-2002)

Pikes Peak - Cup date? ISC to buy track? UPDATE: After failing twice to build a superspeedway near Denver, International Speedway Corporation is attempting to buy Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain. Citing a confidentiality agreement, PPIR president Rob Johnson would not discuss specifics of the proposed sale. But he did confirm negotiations are taking place. "I don't think it would hurt the track to align itself with (other major owners) in the industry," Johnson said. "But right now, there is nothing official. Is there a deal done with ISC? No." If the deal goes through, Colorado could get a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race without waiting for another track to be built. ISC, based in Daytona Beach, Fla., near its crown jewel - Daytona International Speedway - is operated by the Bill France Jr. family, which also runs NASCAR. There is no shortage of major stock car races at ISC venues. ISC's board members have wanted a track near Denver for more than seven years. Penske Motorsports Inc., which merged with ISC in 1999, tried to build a track in Adams County in '96. That effort, along with ISC's ensuing attempts to build tracks in Aurora and Arapahoe County, were political disasters.(Denver Post)(7-12-2002)UPDATE: PPIR president Rob Johnson said there are ongoing negotiations between PPIR and International Speedway Corporation for partial or exclusive ownership of the track. A deal with ISC could bring a Winston Cup race to the facility.(Denver Post)(7-28-2002)

Pikes Peak to be sold...to ISC? Pikes Peak International Raceway reportedly has a buyer. Figure it's International Speedway Corp., given that ISC's Lesa France Kennedy attended last week's IRL race and met with George.(Indianapolis Star)(6-21-2002)

Netzero to sponsor Pikes Peak: Pikes Peak International Raceway today announced that NetZero, a leading value-priced Internet service provider, has become the primary sponsor of its BGN race on July 26-27. The event will be known as the NetZero 250 NASCAR Busch Series race. July 26-27 marks the return of the BGN with the running of the NetZero 250 and a post-race concert by comedian and Tonight Show regular Jeff Foxworthy.(Pikes Peak International Raceway PR)(6-18-2002)

Pikes Peak wants Cup race: Rob Johnson, president of Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colo., is optimistic that his track will be part of the Cup campaign in the future. "NASCAR officials know we want a Winston Cup race at our facility," Johnson said. "I know that the schedule is very full right now, but they will be looking to expand again in a market they are not in like Colorado. It may take a few years, but I like the position we are in." Presently, PPIR is a one-mile tri-oval track, which plays host to BGN and CTS.(NASCAR.com)(7-18-2001)

Pikes Peak and Cup? With the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, it's mostly a question of too many dance partners and not enough open dates, at least where Pikes Peak International Raceway is concerned. In the wake of last weekend's well-attended Busch Series Grand National, a series considered just a step below Winston Cup, some fans were wondering if that prestigious and hugely popular series might make an appearance at PPIR. The short answer: Not any time soon. Definitely not next year. See the full story at: Pikes Peak never says never about hosting Cup race by Paula Parrish of the Colorado Springs Gazette via Charlotte Observer(7-31-1999)

Pikes Peak News: Rob Johnson, a public-relations expert, has been named president of PPIR. He takes over for former general manager Lex Dudas, who was released this month after a disappointing second season at the Fountain superspeedway. See the story at PPIR looks to head out of red(Denver Post)(11-23-1998)

Changes at Pikes Peak: Less than a month after completing a sophomore season that featured disappointing crowds watching some of the world's best auto-racing circuits, general manager Lex Dudas and most of his staff were fired Thursday by owners of Pikes Peak International Raceway. In addition to firing Dudas, marketing director Chris Johnson and five others, PPIR ownership representative Linda Clifford said the superspeedway's headquarters will move to Denver. See the rest of the Denver Post story: PPIR chief, most of staff fired.(10-23-1998)

SOUTH BOSTON, VA

More on the South Boston test track: A proposed motorsports testing facility in South Boston, Va. could provide a much-needed economic boost to counties along the North Carolina-Virginia border. The recent decline of textile and tobacco industries, along with ongoing announcements of plant and factory closings has had a negative economic impact for the border counties of both states. South Boston Speedway President Joe Mattioli believes motorsports may be the answer to some of the area’s economic woes. Mattioli has proposed constructing a multi-purpose oval track testing facility on a 300-acre tract adjacent to South Boston Speedway. He believes the facility could thrive, given the area's rich tradition in motorsports. Mattioli estimates the cost of developing the multi-purpose test track at $15 to $20 million. South Boston, according to Mattioli, would be a prime location for the facility since it is anchored in the west by Martinsville Speedway and in the east with a wind tunnel testing facility in Langley, Va., which is used by race teams. In addition, VIRginia International Raceway (VIR), a revived road course facility, is just a short drive away near Danville, Va. Mattioli also thinks the testing complex also could attract race teams to southside Virginia and northern North Carolina. Mattioli conceded that while it is unlikely that the more established race teams would relocate, new teams and existing teams with tighter budgets would be prime candidates.(in part from the Courier Times)(3-18-2005)

Pocono Buys South Boston Speedway: Pocono Raceway has acquired South Boston Speedway. South Boston Speedway, which recently completed its 47th year of operation, is a NASCAR sanctioned 4/10 mile paved oval located in South Boston, Va. For the past five years, the Speedway has been directed by its President Joe Mattioli III, son of Dr. Joe Mattioli, CEO of Pocono Raceway and Manager Cathy Rice. During that time, South Boston has achieved the distinction of being recognized by Circle Track Magazine (March 2002) as the "Leader of the new generation of Super Short Tracks". Additionally South Boston boasts one of the biggest fields of NASCAR Late Model Stock Cars, averaging over 24 cars per event with each event paying $3,000 to win. South Boston has proven to be a great training ground for both competitors and future motorsports facility managers. Nick Igdalsky, Dr. Mattioli’s grandson, is currently working at South Boston, as well as competing in their Pure Stock Division. The acquisition will provide Pocono with a presence in the Southeast and will align South Boston with the excitement and prestige of Pocono, a NASCAR Nextel Cup facility, providing both venues with joint marketing and promotional opportunities. The management of South Boston will remain unchanged.(South Boston Speedway site)(11-30-2004)

Sad News: Myrtle Beach Speedway lost a big part of its heart and soul Friday when longtime general manager and promoter Roy Gore died from an extended illness. Gore passed away at the age of 55 on Friday afternoon at his home in Florence after battling cancer and other health problems in recent years. But he never let it interfere with his life's work and love - racing. Gore was a fixture at Myrtle Beach Speedway since 1989 and helped the track play host to the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series for more than a decade. But his true passion was in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series that he oversaw every weekend. The family will receive friends at 6-8 p.m. today at Waters-Powell Funeral Home in Florence, and services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Myrtle Beach Community Church behind Waccamaw Pottery. But the most fitting tribute will likely come at the Nov. 20-23 Myrtle Beach 400 at the track. Just the way Gore would have wanted it, the show will go on.(Myrtle Beach Sun Times)(10-27-2003)

South Boston/Myrtle Beach gone? UPDATE MB is gone, South Boston gone: hearing that the BGN races at South Boston, VA and Myrtle Beach, SC will not be on the BGN schedule in 2001. Kansas and Chicagoland will be added (as previously announced) and Kentucky Speedway may be added to the BGN schedule(8-21-2000)UPDATE: Myrtle Beach Speedway, host of a BGN race for the last 13 years, won't be on the NASCAR junior circuit's list of places to go in 2001. The good ol' boys will be somewhere else instead. And that somewhere else, although the official schedule has not yet been announced, will likely look a lot different than the local track that has been in the racing business since 1958. Myrtle Beach would seem to be an ideal location when it comes to packing the house. The problem is MBS's 18,000-seat house is no longer big enough for NASCAR. The owner's dug deep into their pockets to keep the track up to NASCAR's standards. They spent more than $100,000 to upgrade facilities for competitors and fans before the June 17 event, but it wasn't enough. Now NASCAR's presence may be gone forever, unless the area joins the rat race and builds a new multi-million dollar facility. There have been about Burroughs & Chapin (Company) building a racetrack in the area(Myrtle Beach Sun News). As for South Boston, many readers from that area have emailed saying it was announced in June that South Boston had signed a sponsor and with NASCAR thru 2002 to hold a race at the track - the story from February on my BGN Tracks page, past news: Textilease and South Boston Speedway officials have announced that the BGN race would be officially known as the Textilease/Medique 300 for the next three years. Textilease and Textilease Medique signed a three-year contract extending their title sponsorship through 2002. Also, see the story at The State: Busch won't make pit stop at Myrtle Beach(8-22-2000)UPDATE 2: it was reported on RPM 2Night that South Boston also will not run a BGN event in 2001. AND from the South Boston Speedway site: South Boston Speedway, one of NASCAR’s premiere short tracks, plans on hosting a minimum of six national touring series events in 2001, a significant increase over the 2000 schedule. While touring series for Late Model Stock Cars will be a priority, events for open wheel and dirt series are also being explored. Of these new events, at least three are expected to be nationally televised. The 2001 schedule will not include a NASCAR Busch Series event(8-23-2000)

South Boston Speedway UPDATE 2: Textilease and South Boston Speedway officials have announced that the BGN race would be officially known as the Textilease/Medique 300 for the next three years. Textilease and Textilease Medique signed a three-year contract extending their title sponsorship through 2002. The Textilease/Medique 300 will take place Saturday, June 10 in the NASCAR 2000 season(PR) AND hearing that Ward Burton and his father have bought the South Boston Speedway but have found no confirmation on it(2-15-2000) -- UPDATE: hearing now there is no truth to the rumor that the Burton's bought the track, more to follow -- UPDATE 2: Ward Burton denied rumors Wednesday that he and his father, John Burton, were negotiating to buy South Boston Speedway, a 4/10th-mile oval near his hometown of South Boston, Va. The rumors began circulating over the Internet earlier this week that the Burtons were buying the NASCAR Short Track Series-sanctioned track from long-time owner Mason Day Jr.(goRacing)(2-16-2000)

South Boston purse: Chesapeake Motorsports Development Corporation (CMDC) announced today that the "Textilease Medique 300 Presented by Advance Auto Parts" will pay a record purse of $517,828.00. The 300 lap (120 miles), BGN event is scheduled for June 12th, at the South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Virginia. The record purse is a substantial increase over the 1998 purse of $304,750.00. Tickets are still available for the race(6-5-1999)

South Boston News: South Boston Speedway officials announced that they are adding six new grandstand sections in order to accommodate high ticket demands for the "Textilease Medique 300 Presented by Advance Auto Parts" scheduled for Saturday, June 12th. The additional grandstands will be named in honor of the most recent Busch Series race winners at South Boston. The new sections will be named to honor the achievements of Tim Fedawa, Randy Lajoie, Todd Bodine, Larry Pearson and Chuck Bown. Tickets in the new grandstand sections are $40.00 and are available at Ticketmaster™ outlets. Credit card phone orders may be made by calling 757-671-8100(PR)(5-27-1999)

South Boston Sponsor and Donations: The Beltsville, MD based uniform and first - aid services company, Textilease Corporation, has signed on as Title sponsor for the Saturday, June 12th South Boston 300, NASCAR Busch Series - Grand National Division Race event at the South Boston Speedway, South Boston, VA. Fans attending the Textilease Medique 300 are invited to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items to the event in an effort to assist the victims of the recent tornadoes that caused incredible damage throughout Oklahoma and Kansas leaving many people homeless. Collection containers will be set up at all South Boston Speedway gates. AS an added bonus, each fan that makes a donation will be entered to win a drawing for a pit tour for two people and meet their favorite driver before the start of the Textilease Medique 300. The Medique division of Textilease supplies over - the - counter medications to businesses and occupational health nurses through a network of 550 distributors in 47 states. They will be sending over $10,000 worth of medical and first aid supplies to aid the victims of this natural disaster(Press Release)(5-7-1999)

South Boston: Chesapeake Motorsports Development Corporation announced today that the Beltsville, MD-based uniform leasing and first-aid services company, Textilease Corporation, has signed on as Title sponsor for the Saturday, June 12th South Boston 300, BGN race at the South Boston Speedway, South Boston, VA. The race will be know as the Textilease Medique 300. Tickets can be purchased by calling 757- 671- 8100(CMDC PR) Textilease was recently involved as a sponsor on the #91 LJ Racing Chevy in the Cup series(4-26-1999)

Myrtle Beach stays, South Boston? Two other tracks in jeopardy of losing their BGN dates are Myrtle Beach(SC) and South Boston(VA). Myrtle Beach has come up with the extra purse money NASCAR has set as a minimum, South Boston has not made a commitement either way yet.(WC Today Radio/PRN)(10-22-1998)

OLD STUFF

Chicago Motor Speedway to shut down? Sources report the Chicago Motor Speedway, a one-mile oval track built outside of Chicago in Cicero, Illinois, is on the verge of shutting down. Radio station WSCR-AM reported on Monday the track was in financial trouble and would close its gates unless an additional cash influx was found. The news puts the track’s two scheduled events this year, the June 30th CART FedEx Series Target Grand Prix and the August 25th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Sears 175, in jeopardy. Several members of the track’s management staff were terminated Monday, fueling speculation of the speedway’s demise. The opening of the Chicagoland Speedway in nearby Joliet may have been the knockout punch for the Cicero [IL] track.(RacingOne)(1-15-2002)

BGN Race at Road America? UPDATE: There is talk of a possible BGN race at the Road America road course at Elkhart Lake, WI for the 2001 season(National Speed Sport News Magazine Print Version)(8-20-2000)UPDATE: In Road America's quest to build its schedule, track president George Bruggenthies has "been talking seriously" with NASCAR about a Busch Series event, he said Saturday. "They haven't said yes and they haven't said no," Bruggenthies said. See full story at the Milwaukee Sentinel: Road America beats Busch to add event by Dave Kallmann(8-22-2000) - NOTE - this didn't happen for 2001